Jean Simmons, Deborah Kerr, "Young Bess" TCM Wednesday 1:15 Eastern

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

1:15 p.m. Eastern-- "Young Bess"-- Rally 'round, monarchy fans, Jean Simmons stars as the very young Elizabeth I. In this outing, her uncertain status as a youth is explored, dependent as it is on the whiims of her capricious father, King Henry VIII. Her romance with Thomas Seymour (dashing Stewart Granger) is also depicted.

There are so many Tudor specialists here-- did she really have a "romance" with him? I would love to know if any of you think this film bears resemblance to reality?

The young Elizabeth (just as the middle aged, and old, Elizabeth) is such an enigma, and fascinatingly complex person. I read once that in her entire long lifetime, she made only one public reference to her doomed, beheaded mother Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth, with her brilliance and shrewdness, and then that contrary Tudor mercurial quality, is endlessly interesting.

Great casting to have Charles Laughton as Henry VIII!

qualitygal · ‎10-04-2010

Thanks @Oznell, I'll have to see that!!

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

It is snowing like crazy right now - not going anywhere. So I am going to stay home and watch Young Bess. It is Deborah Kerr day - so might catch a few of her other movies.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Oh Well - we lost power. So I missed Young Bess. Guess I will catch it another time. We just got the power back on - so at least I am glad to have power again.